Now the worst fears of Gunners fans have been realised as Ozil is set for a lengthy spell out and is unlikely to appear again for the North London outfit until the New Year.

It has been a difficult period for Arsene Wenger’s side in terms of fitness issues, with Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud both also out currently with long-term problems.

Added to that is Serge Gnabry, Yaya Sanogo and Theo Walcott, although all three are expected back in first team action relatively soon, with the latter having been sidelined since February with a damage to his cruciate ligament.

Ozil was away with his national team ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifiers with Poland on Saturday and the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

The attacking midfielder joined the club from Real Madrid in 2013 and has since made 49 appearances in all competitions.